I get to do a lot of fulfilling things in my job and certainly that was the case recently when I had dinner in Chicago with an alumna from the ‘80’s. We had a great conversation, made all the better as she talked about her interesting, successful career and waxed eloquent about how her experience at Gould had transformed her. When I asked which part of the experience was the most important, she answered, without even a second’s hesitation, “Everybody was equal!” She was talking about the democratic (small “d”) nature of the Gould community, and she elaborated by describing how everyone, regardless of family position or background, had an equal role and an equal voice. She mentioned how this was unlike her large, suburban high school where popularity (and voice) had often depended on the clothes one wore, the car one drove, or the vacation one took. She recalled being amazed, when first arriving at Gould, that a kid from the islands, another from the “Counties,” one from the Upper East Side, and perhaps yet another from abroad were all equal participants in our school’s community life.

For me, this was a vivid reminder of the educational power of democratic communities and how essential experiencing them is to our students’ preparation for the world of the 21st century. We know that success in today’s world requires an ability to understand multiple perspectives, to interact with persons of diverse backgrounds, and, most important, to respect every individual regardless of origin or social or economic station. Beyond making our students successful, this is part of what makes them ethical.

Gould is democratic in another sense as well. At every breakfast and every dinner, save one, our students wash the dishes with the support of their advisers. In every dormitory, students are responsible for helping to maintain cleanliness and order. Every fall and spring, each athletic team contributes at least one practice session to helping maintain the school grounds. In these ways and countless others, one important lesson of a truly democratic community is learned. Everyone serves.

Respect for each individual and commitment to service…two critical attributes for each student’s success. And our world cannot get too much of either one.

Have a great holiday season.